How to Make it Shabby! What Makes a Shabby Chic Junk Journal?

[@BeAgainBooks]

I want to acknowledge that when I use the term “Shabby Chic” to describe this certain style, I am using a trademarked term. Rachel Ashwell is the original designer that popularized this style and her vision is what now is so descriptive of what I’m trying to express as we review this style. I’m certainly not trying to claim anything other than describing her style. The shabby chic style. There is no other way to describe what I’m trying to say. Using that trademarked term “Shabby Chic” is honestly the best way to describe what I’m talking about. Lots of journals can be called shabby and many more journals could be called chic. But Rachel Ashwell had an artistic vision when she combined those two aesthetic terms and a new aesthetic was created that combined them together in a way that now can only be described as a style. And we recognize it when we see these design elements and motifs together.

[@bonnielipke1962]

And we as creators know it is a "style". It's been referred to as shabby chic for as long as I can remember. Gosh, what else would we call it? Lol

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@bonnielipke1962 I’m glad the term means something in your mind Bonnie. That means you understand what I’m referring to. Thanks for the feedback.

[@tfntexas]

Well said Kathleen!

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@tfntexas Thank you Tammie!

[@lindahowe2293]

Exactly right, Kathleen! I actually remember seeing the name of the very notable designer, William Morris, connected with the "Shabby Chic" style.

[@elainet5870]

Lovely explanation! I agree with most of what you said. I would also mention that sometimes Shabby can also be somewhat tattered, as well. Many Journal artists that create Shabby Journals have a very tattered style. Thanks for sharing. 😃💕

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, that’s so true Elaine! Shabby blends with both Vintage and Grungy really well. And, of course, there is a whole continuum of artistic interpretation! Our community is just so creative! Thank you for watching.

[@nancypyter1511]

You are really a great teacher Kathleen! You explained it perfectly for those who are new as well as us seasoned journal makers and we never stop learning from each other! Hugs friend!🥰

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh that’s very kind Nancy! Thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@dwilloughby1969]

I've always wanted to do shabby chic cards. I love pastel colors.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Shabby reallly is such a beautiful, feminine style, isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by!

[@lindaspaperworks]

All the things I love--roses, ribbons, lace, florals, pink... I think I grew up with a shabby chic bedroom before it was ever a thing. When I had the opportunity to choose the paint color, I chose pink. I loved my little pink room with its mismatched furniture and floral prints on the walls. Enjoyed your explanation and the show and tells. Your mood board is pretty enough for a journal cover. And the cover for your journal is beautiful. I would love those curtains in a bedroom.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, doesn’t everything that is feminine in us call out with this style! Thanks for the encouragement Linda! I appreciate you.

[@sandrinefresne6575]

Stop teasing me ! It is so inspiringly beautiful, I must find time to do this . 😊😊❤❤❤❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Haha - I’m sorry the explanations take such a long time! Thanks for your patience! The first decorating video is coming right up!

[@CreativeCrisis-Art]

Great explanation! I feel like I get vintage and shabby chic confused ... this was really helpful.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Well, it's easy to be confused, and journal makers combine styles all the time, so that isn't surprising - to be confused. And there really are no real rules, but sometimes it does help to break things down. I'm glad this was helpful - more help coming up. Thanks so much for watching.

[@inaboucher144]

Kathleen so looking forward to this journal. Just looking at cover and all the items you have pulled together I can tell she will be a beauty. Hugs and stay well.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Ina!

[@kerynokeeffe9133]

Thank you, so much, Kathleen. This is one of the most valuable videos and series that I have watched over many years! Congratulations, dear friend! Awesome explanations, examples and a “cheat sheet”! Love it! 😀💞

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh Keryn! I’m so glad you hear your thoughts today. Thank you very much!

[@BonnieLipke]

i love shabby chic and your clarification made it make sense. thanks my friend!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Bonnie! Thanks for stopping by!

[@DianeHubertPrettyPinkCottage]

Great idea for a series. And you are starting with one of my favorites: Shabby Chic! I have 2 of Rachel's books and I just love looking at them. You explained it well. I feel like many people use pink and lace and ruffles, etc. and forget the "shabby". (which is fine, if you're not calling it Shabby Chic). I love the shabby part! A little worn, a little tattered, but still chic and pretty. This will be fun to watch.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, I agree many books really are not shabby at all, haha, and I too love the shabby part of the equation. Thanks so much for coming by. The next up is the eclectic style, of which I think you are queen.

[@ps-mi5hy]

I am looking forward to this series. It sound like it will be very interesting and something I need to watch.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ScrapbookSage]

Thank you for such a great tutorial on identifying shabby chic characteristics! This series is amazing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Aw thanks so much Dawn! I appreciate that.

[@carolbeeding4270]

😍❤️ good job explaining shabby chic. Can’t wait for the technical stuff.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Carol! I appreciate your patience!

[@marcydavis]

I love this series! So helpful. I'm going to follow this and make little "style" journals to keep on my shelf for reference. Thank you so much for doing this💗

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad Marcy! Thank YOU for the encouragement!

[@gloriadedet5027]

What a great explanation of Shabby Chic. I too was confused between Shabby Chic and Vintage. That cheat sheet was really helpful. I am looking forward to the rest of your series.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Gloria! Well, they overlap some, and I think shabby developed from the vintage style, so it’s easy to confuse them. And it’s a confusing subject - style. I appreciate the support.

[@lorigigglegirlarts]

I had no clue it was a TM term. Love how you explained all of this with the vision board.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Lori! I’m glad you stopped by!

[@wallcreekandrea5196]

Very informative and useful! Thanks Kathleen, I am looking forward to the process video!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad you think so Andrea! Coming up!

[@sharronpoloka1779]

This is going to be an amazing series. I learned so much in just this one video! Looking forward to more. 💗💗💗

[@BeAgainBooks]

Awesome! Thank you Sharron!

[@rebeccaperkins6741]

So excited about this series. Great information and inspiration. 🤗

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad you think so Rebecca! Thanks so much for watching.

[@DarlaPhillips92]

I am learning so much by watching you! Thank you so much for doing this ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome Darla! Thanks for hanging around.

[@CaraBrandonCreations]

Such a fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing the kit! What a fun way to look at the cluster kit! I never would have thought of the things you brought up while talking about hte kit. So fun!!! Thank you!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Cara - my pleasure. The cluster kit is really so useful, in a number of ways. Thanks for coming by!

[@dawnbrosnan7186]

This a fresh idea. I have made a few grungy junk journals but the supplies overlap. This would be nice to make with my little collection.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Dawn! There is quite a lot of overlap, as you say.

[@dawnklein106]

I’m excited!!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Dawn! Nitty gritty coming soon.

[@mikeselness910]

Thank you, very helpful ,to just have it laid out in a useful way ,enjoyed it,Teresa in Mn

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Teresa!

[@MyrajoL.heart.withART]

Love the cheat sheet.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I was hoping it would be helpful Myra! Thanks for watching.

[@tildaraining]

very informative 😊 thanks for sharing Kathleen

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Tilda!

[@creativenana]

Wonderful will need to rewatch and take notes

[@BeAgainBooks]

Haha - that makes me smile Nana! Thank you!

[@57cparks]

A very nice presentation! TY!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Chris - I appreciate your steady support!

[@mindybeveridge8377]

Thank you so much for this video, Kathleen. I bought the cluster kit so I would have those for examples! What a good idea. Looking forward to the next installment. Hope you have a good day!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Mindy! Oh, I’m glad you have the cluster kit - so handy! Thank you for watching today!

[@Mommyoffive4Him]

Great info! It is so often that Shabby Chic and Vintage are created as one! Thanks for explaining the uniqueness of Shabby Chic! Love that cover!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Kerri! Yes, Shabby and Vintage mix so well, don’t they? Thanks for watching!

[@Roadtaken-fi1cd]

Love this!! Thanks so much for doing this series!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I'm so glad it's helpful! Thanks for stopping in!

[@marielibby6475]

Watched it twice cause I got the test wrong 😂. Seriously though, this is so helpful. Love the way you explained and presented it.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hahaha - so funny Marie! Good thing there are no grades, haha. Thank you for watching.

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

Oh this is going to be such a gorgeous journal. I really love this style and you described it really well with a list also. I would love to make one also. ☺♥

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Joan - I love Shabby too!

[@AurorasWindow]

Thank you for this video! I’m newish to junk journals and a few months ago I tried to make a shabby chic journal. I don’t use digitals or a lot of scrapbook papers, I mostly used recycled materials. I wasn’t sure if I had accomplished a shabby chic style, so I grabbed it while watching this video and I’m happy to say I included most elements!!! You did such a great job explaining this style! Thanks!

[@BeAgainBooks]

That’s a real accomplishment Aurora - well done! The benefit of digitals or scrapbook paper, in this case, is that designer helps create the style in those foundation pieces. So taking on that role yourself is the fun of it, right? Good job!

[@AurorasWindow]

@@BeAgainBooks thanks! Yes! I enjoyed the process of looking through magazines and books, looking for images and styles to fit the journal I’m working on. It takes me a lot of time, but I enjoy it!

[@JustAprilakaJuJu]

Great! Loved it❤ it was so helpful !

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad to know it April, thank you so much!

[@DonnaFernandez74]

Thanks so much for this series! I will learn so much!!! I have never actually known what any of the "styles" meant ... so I am sure MY style could best be called "eclectic" because I think I like elements of all of the different styles and I tend to mix them willy-nilly!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I really hope so Donna - I hope it is helpful and appreciate your watchtime!

[@markpaige4795]

❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Karen!

[@joycemeyer8393]

I always have trouble with calling Shabby Chic, country. This helps me clear that up.

[@BeAgainBooks]

So glad to shed just a little light on it Joyce! Thanks so much for watching.

[@michelletynan9766]

Hi. Beautiful work. Its goign to be fun toblearn new styles. I was wondering how is your daughter Katie? I hope all is well with her. God bless.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Michele! Yep, Kate is fine - doing well, thanks for asking!

[@jackiehorn3724]

Yea. I really respect Rachael, but there was shabby chic heavily used in all sorts of designs before that. It’s just a beautiful thing. And literally all of the shabby chic artists out there have their own style, and I just love them all. I am even gradually finding myself discovering my own style. And it encompasses shabby chic and grunge. How much grunge? Really depends on sometimes little to no grunge, other times a lot. I mean a whole lot. Just depends on how I am envisioning my project at the time e.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Jackie!

[@victoriaashmore2775]

Kathleen - just an FYI in case you’re not aware, but my understanding is that the term “Shabby Chic” is actually trademarked (owned by its’ creator, Rachel Ashwell). You may want to research if you’re permitted to use it in your video title.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Wow - thanks for the heads up. If that’s the case, there is a whole shelf of books in the library also in violation. But I appreciate the feedback and research what else it could be called. Thanks Victoria!

[@cottonconfetti]

​@@BeAgainBooks looks like Victoria is right ... l just googled it! Maybe just change the video title, it's ok to say it and you're not selling it - maybe Shabby Victoriana style would work ... 🤷‍♀️

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@cottonconfetti Well, it’s an interesting situation, but calling it something else actually dilutes the purpose of my point. It’s a certain “style” and that’s what it’s called. To call it something else would confuse people about what I’m actually describing in a review of the style. Because it is a name that people associate with a “style” rather than a product, one has to use the name to describe what you are actually talking about. That would be a fair use, I think. The genius of Rachel Ashwell is that she achieved her vision with that trademark name. When you hear the term “Shabby Chic” people understand what you mean. I may not be able to achieve her vision in my journal ( as someone else may not in designing a bedroom).That’s certainly up for debate. But when I’m trying to explain the style, using her trademark to describe what I’m talking about is like calling a table a table. There really is no other way to describe it.